As defined by the Indiana Department of Education, the purpose of Title II, Part A is to increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improve teacher and principal quality and effectiveness. Through this federal program, State and Local Education Agencies (SEAs and LEAs) and State agencies for higher education (SAHEs) receive funds on a formula basis.Eligible partnerships consisting of high-need LEAs and institutions of higher education receive funds that are competitively awarded by the SAHE.

In exchange, agencies that receive funds are held accountable to the public for improvements in student academic achievement. Title II, Part A provides these agencies with the flexibility to use these funds creatively to address challenges to teacher quality and effectiveness, whether they concern teacher preparation and the qualifications of new teachers, recruitment and hiring,induction, targeted and embedded professional development, teacher retention,or the need for more capable principals and assistant principals to serve as effective school leaders.